Chevrolet offers a wide range of SUVs, from the all-electric Bolt EUV to the subcompact Trailblazer to the full-size Suburban. However, some are more popular than others. The Equinox compact crossover is by far the best-selling Chevy SUV, dominating even its slightly larger and more powerful sibling, the Blazer. So, is the Equinox’s popularity hurting the Blazer? Here’s a look at these two SUVs. 

The 2023 Chevy Blazer is a solid midsize SUV 

The 2023 Chevy Blazer blends a sporty look with the practicality expected from a midsize SUV. It’s available in four trim levels: 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier.

Starting at $36,495, the base model packs a 228-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four engine and front-wheel drive. However, buyers can upgrade to all-wheel drive, bumping the MSRP to $39,195. 

Chevy provides the option to have the three higher trim levels — the 3LT, RS, and Premier — built with a more powerful 308-hp 3.6-liter V6. However, the 3LT and Premier can also be outfitted with the standard 2.0-liter turbo-four, saving shoppers around $500 on their build.

Another important note is that all four Blazer trims have standard FWD but can be upgraded to AWD for about $2,700 extra. 

The 2023 Chevy Equinox is tough to beat

The Equinox is one of Chevrolet’s most successful nameplates, coming in second only to the Silverado pickup truck series.

Like the Blazer, the 2023 Chevy Equinox comes in four trim levels: LS, LT, RS, and Premier. All have a 175-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. And each comes with FWD but offers AWD for $1,600. The base-model LS starts at $27,995 with FWD and $29,595 with AWD.

The range-topping Equinox Premier AWD retails for $34,795. That’s significantly cheaper than the top-tier Blazer Premier AWD, starting at $47,595. But the Equinox doesn’t provide as much horsepower as the Blazer. 

Why is the Equinox so much more popular than the Blazer?

Chevy Blazer sales reached only 15,236 units in Q1 2023, while Equinox sales climbed to 52,902, GM Authority reports. The most significant reason the Equinox continues to outsell the Blazer is that the smaller SUV offers more value for the money, starting at almost $10,000 less than its stablemate.

The Equinox’s weaker engine is the most obvious area where this compact crossover can’t compete with the Blazer. However, the smaller engine has an advantage because it boasts better gas mileage. The Equinox gets an EPA-estimated 26/31 mpg city/highway, compared to the Blazer’s best fuel economy at 22/29 mpg. 

In addition, although the Blazer is nine inches longer, four inches wider, and two inches taller than its smaller sibling, the Equinox provides nearly as much interior space. In fact, the compact SUV edges out its midsize sibling in headroom and rear-seat legroom.

The Blazer’s headroom is 38 or 39.8 inches in the front and 36.8. or 38.6 inches in the back with or without a sunroof. Legroom is 41 inches in the front and 39.6 inches in the back. And its shoulder room is 59.1 inches in the front and 58.6 inches in the back. Meanwhile, the Equinox’s headroom is 38.2 or 40 inches in the front and 36.9 or 38.5 inches in the back with or without the sunroof. Its legroom is 40.9 inches in the front and 39.9 inches in the back. And shoulder room is 57.2 inches up front and 55.5 inches in the back.

In addition, the Blazer barely beats the Equinox in cargo capacity. The Blazer provides 30.5 cubic feet behind the back row and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. And the Equinox has 29.9 cubic feet behind the back row and 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Although the Equinox’s popularity might be affecting Blazer sales, the two SUVs serve different markets. The Blazer is more powerful and stylish, and the Equinox is more affordable and practical. Families shopping for SUVs value those latter two qualities over acceleration and sleek looks. And that’s reflected in the Equinox’s robust sales.